Mexico City is visited by millions of tourists each and every year. It's easy to see the appeal, as this bustling metropolis has a lot to offer for visitors, from world-class museums and ancient landmarks, to stunning natural wonders waiting on the city's periphery. Beyond the most popular landmarks, there are more than a few hidden gems waiting to be discovered beyond the beaten path - if you know where to look.
This article will introduce you to 5 hidden wonders of Mexico City. To discover the city beyond the tourist trail, we strongly recommend exploring Mexico City with a private guide.
Diego Rivera's Fuente de Tlaloc
Diego Riviera is, of course, one of Mexico City's most famous residents of all time. While Riviera designed Museo Anahuacalli, which features over 2,000 works of art and is visited by thousands of visitors a year, fewer people are aware of a massive artwork by the Mexican master hidden in the heart of the city. If the name Diego Riviera makes you think of landscape paintings and portraits, this quirky monument will knock your socks off.
Nestled inside Bosque de Chapultepec (a huge park nicknamed the Lungs of Mexico City), Fuente de Tlaloc is a surreal fountain created by the celebrated artist.
The medium is very surprising for an artist mainly known for his paintings and murals. On the outside, the site features a massive mosaic-covered fountain representing Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain. On the inside, the space that once held a water tank feeding water into the fountain has since been transformed into a gallery space. Both the fountain and its accompanying murals are unique displays of Riviera's boundless creativity.
Visit the Mummies at Museo de El Carmen
Located in the neighborhood of San Angel, the convent of El Carmen was originally established all the way back in 1615. The convent was converted into a museum in 1929. The building itself has been beautifully preserved and with its tranquil garden and aqueduct, El Carmen offers a welcome break from the hectic pace of the city. Besides offering a fascinating glimpse into life in a 17th century monastery, the museum is also home to a stunning collection of religious art, paintings (most notably those by Miguel Cabrera), intricate engravings, and artful murals.
The most striking feature, however, is the subterranean crypt where the mummified bodies of 12 friars are displayed behind protective glass. The mummies are thought to date all the way back to the 1600s. The monastery was abandoned in the late 1800s and after being naturally mummified by the soil, the mummies were later discovered during the Mexican Revolution at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the crypt was not opened to the public until 2012.
Watch Lucha Libre at Arena Mexico
Watching a live match of Lucha Libre, or Mexican wrestling, is an experience you won't soon forget. The enormous Arena Mexico, which can host 16,500 spectators, is the home of this much-beloved local sport - so much so that the venue has earned the nickname "the cathedral of Lucha Libre." The arena is centrally located in the Doctores neighborhood and dates back to the 1950s.
Arena Mexico hosts weekly wrestling matches. There isn't a fight every night of the week, though, so make sure you check the schedule beforehand if you're in town on a limited schedule. The atmosphere at the arena gets wild and rowdy, with wrestlers donning sparkling spandex outfits along with their iconic masks, and spectators hurling colorful insults left and right. Prepare for a night of unparalleled entertainment, and don't forget to pick up a souvenir mask of your own!
Ghost Stories at Panteón de San Fernando
Image Credit: Sarumo74, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Panteón de San Fernando is one of Mexico City's oldest cemeteries. Though small, the cemetery is also filled with stories. This is the final resting place for many of Mexico's most famous residents. The cemetery was operational in the 1800s, when it was a popular place for those with power and influence to bury their loved ones.
Many prominent Mexicans, from politicians and military personnel to artists, have been buried here, with eerie stories attached to many of the deceased. For instance, the corpse of writer Francisco Zarco was said to have been stolen by a bereaved friend. The cemetery and its tombs also feature several masonic symbols, if you know where to look. The cemetery is best visited with a local guide, who can provide more insight into the personal histories and the wider significance of the people buried here.
Enjoy Local Art at Jardin del Arte
Image Credit: Agustin Valero, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
From its countless museums to its innovative galleries, Mexico City is filled with art and creativity. One of the unique ways to immerse yourself in the city's artistic side is to visit Jardin del Arte on a Sunday afternoon. Every week, this lovely park in the charming neighborhood of San Rafael is transformed into an open-air art gallery, with as many as 400 local artists displaying their art along the park's quaint pathways.
This outdoor gallery is a long-standing tradition, one that's been alive and well since the 1950s. The works displayed at the park range from paintings to sculptures and photography. The weekly event is managed by a non-profit organization who imposes certain rules and criteria for the work being displayed. Importantly, all artwork sold at Jardin del Arte must be original, with no copies allowed. This makes Jardin del Arte a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs, with prices ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pesos a piece.
Conclusion
Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis with endless attractions to explore, whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned visitor to the city. The five highlights we've listed here are just a small taste of all the under-the-radar attractions Mexico City has to offer. If you want to discover more hidden gems during your visit to the city, why not explore CDMX with a private tour?
A customized tour with a local in the know will ensure you'll get to experience the city to the fullest - and not just what's printed on the tourist brochure.